Lisbon area man faces 10 animal cruelty counts

June 26, 2013

LISBON - A Lisbon area man has been charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty following an investigation by an agent of the Humane Society of Columbiana County.

In Columbiana County Municipal Court on Monday, a July 18 pretrial was set for Thomas Henry, 69, Shady Lane, Lisbon. The 10 counts of animal cruelty followed two visits to Henry's home, as well as reports from concerned neighbors.

Court documents allege that on April 21 a county humane agent found numerous live chickens, four to six goats and a calf in a small shed with one dead calf, a decaying goat carcass and a number of dead chickens. There was no food or water.

On May 7, someone reported to the humane officer that Henry was abusing his dog by putting a chain around its neck, yanking it off its feet and punching it in the face, neck and back. At that time, Henry reportedly threatened to shoot the dog.

While executing a search warrant on the property on May 9, the humane officer reportedly found 32 chickens and seven pygmy goats living in a shed without food or water with some of the chickens emaciated or diseased. One chicken reportedly was stuck with its head between the walls of the shed and the other chickens were eating it alive.

Additionally, two dead chickens were found in cages and there were two dead decaying calves and a goat carcass in the shed. A third decaying calf was found on the back porch and a deceased, decaying dog was found outside the entrance to the shed. Two dogs were found tied with chains, without dog boxes or shelters and without food or water.

In an unrelated case, Henry was fined $25 after he pleaded guilty to failure to confine his dog after numerous complaints of it running off his property and nearly being hit by vehicles.